Both pictures look fine on mine. Lots of details in the chair and W's suit jacket. Like Norm said, turn down your contrast some... it should help to bring out the details. If it doesn't, then you need to get yourself a new monitor.

When your monitor gets old things can get dark. I have an old monitor which would probably do what you're describing. Looks like it's time to use that extended warranty. Hopefully it covers this kind of thing.